Arkansas Democratic Party Chairman Will Bond said he will step down from his post and Gov. Mike Beebe (D), the titular head of the party, said Vincent Insalaco will succeed Bond.

“I cannot thank Will Bond enough for his countless hours of service to our state and I believe Vincent Insalaco will demonstrate strong leadership as chair of the DPA just as his predecessors have done,” Beebe said. “The progress our state has made can only continue by electing responsible leaders, and Vincent Insalaco will work to elect strong leaders who will continue an agenda focused on jobs and education.”

Bond, an attorney, has served as chairman of the Democratic Party since February 2011. His name has been mentioned as a possible candidate for U.S. Congress or Attorney General.

“After two and a half years serving as Chair in a volunteer capacity, it is time for new leadership and time for me to consider other opportunities to serve Arkansas,” said Will Bond. “I am excited to join with Governor Beebe in supporting Vincent Insalaco as the next chair of the Democratic Party of Arkansas. I will continue to work with Vincent and Arkansans to make sure that every child has a chance for a world-class public education and every hard-working Arkansan has an opportunity to fulfill their dreams. Together, we will stay laser focused on building a brighter future for all Arkansans.”

Insalaco of North Little Rock has worked for Democratic candidates and causes for decades. He was the campaign manager for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jimmie Lou Fisher and he served as the president for Young Democrats of Arkansas in the early 1980’s. He also was one of the famous Arkansas Travelers, who campaign for Bill Clinton in Iowa and New Hampshire during his 1991-2 Presidential campaign.

He is a businessman with interests in film, theater, and video production and sales.

“I have always believed in the principles of the Democratic Party of Arkansas like fighting for hard-working Arkansas families,” said Insalaco. “I’ve worked to elect Arkansas Democrats – like Bill and Hillary Clinton, Mike Beebe, Mark Pryor, and Mike Ross – who have always put women, children, and seniors first. Working together, we will elect more Arkansas Democrats in 2014 who will continue the progress made by these great leaders. I look forward to help carry this message with all of our county committees from the coffee shops to Facebook.”

The next state committee meeting of The Democratic Party of Arkansas will be held on Saturday, September 14 at the Holiday Inn & Convention Center in Springdale. Committee members must formally elect Insalaco to the post.